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Lutz returns to Double-A

Lutz returns to Double-A

6/16/13: Donald Lutz slaps a single to center field that plates two runners, giving the Reds a 5-1 lead in the sixth inning

By Mark Sheldon
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MLB.com |

OAKLAND -- With Chris Heisey being activated from the disabled list on Tuesday, the Reds optioned rookie outfielder Donald Lutz back to Double-A Pensacola.

Lutz, who was called up from Pensacola on April 29 when Heisey went on the DL, batted .241 with one home run and eight RBIs in 34 games. He played sparingly for much of June as his last 12 games have come as either a pinch-hitter or defensive replacement in left field.

The decision was made to send Lutz two levels down because Triple-A Louisville already has a crowded outfield.

"We went over it the other day. It's the opportunity for him to play more," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "He came up from Double-A. He wasn't really killing it when he came up from Double-A. I told him that hopefully he learned some things, made some adjustments."

Baker left a message to Pensacola manager Delino DeShields for a list of goals for Lutz to work on.

"We sent him back to go prove himself and go kill it at Double-A," Baker said. "He'll be back if he applies the things that he learned here. He's a bright kid. He'll apply it well. He'll start his season all over."

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.